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Roof sealing made easy

The Best Roof Sealants: How to Repair Roof Leaks

A leaky roof can spell disaster for any homeowner. With the right roof sealant and this guide, you will be able to tackle even the most challenging drips.

2 min read

A ceiling drip can be a stressful sight. It is vital that you select a roof sealant that is specially formulated to withstand harsh weather conditions so you can rest assured it will protect your roof. Elements such as rain, ice, and sunlight can wreak havoc on exterior roof joints and surfaces. In this guide, we explain how to find leaks and properly seal them.

Choosing the right sealant for roof leaks

There are many available options for roof sealants but you have to be thorough in comparing each product to find the right fit for your project. Sealants come in different types. The most common are acrylic, silicone, and polyurethane.

Acrylic and polyurethane are two sides of a coin. Acrylic sealant formulations are great for protecting a roof from sun damage but don’t do well in handling moisture while polyurethane sealant formulations are strong against water damage but are weak against UV rays from the sun. Silicone sealant formulations, on the other hand, are resilient against both moisture and UV rays but can be quite expensive.

If you are in an area where rain is frequent, opt for silicone or polyurethane. Most products will offer protection against water but not all of them are completely waterproof so be sure to check the label. Some products would also require multiple coatings to achieve complete waterproofing.

It is important to note that roof sealants are the best solution for small to mid-sized applications for diverting water or plugging holes and cracks; large damaged areas may require a more complex repair. Always consider the size of the project before making your decision.

Finding the source of the leak

Finding the source of a roof leak can be challenging, but it is vital. First, assess where the leak is located in your home. Remember, water may travel from a different location depending on the architecture.

Once you have an idea of where the leak is coming from, the safest option is to go up into your attic space. Look for black areas or mold because they are typically strong indicators of water leaks. Go outside and check the shingles/roofing in that area. In flat sections of the roof, keep an eye out for misplaced shingles, standing water, mold buildup, or rotting sections.

The most common type of roof leak is caused by an object that penetrates the roof, such as your chimney, roof vents, or anything else that passes directly through the roof. Small gaps and holes caused by objects penetrating the roof can be repaired easily with LePage Polyfilla Spackling Big Hole Repair.

Roof repair with roofing

After you have identified the source of a small leak, you can begin filling it with roof caulk. For larger repairs, you can use the sealant on new joints and materials as needed. Before application, ensure that the joint you wish to apply sealant to is dry, clean, and free of any debris. It should also be structurally sound. Although the sealant is flexible, it is not intended to serve as an adhesive.

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To kick it up a notch, if you need to bond wood on your roof, consider using LePage PL Premium Construction Adhesive.

Steps for repairing a roof leak with caulk:

  1. Gather the required tools - You will need a razor blade, gloves, a caulking gun, and sealant.
  2. Ensure the area is in good condition and not rotting - Replace all rotting wood with new material.
  3. Identify the problem - Look for tears and cracks in existing sealant, because this is normally the cause of most roof leaks.
  4. Clean the area - Ensure that the area is free of old caulk, moisture, loose particles, asphalt, tar, paint, wax, and rust. To remove the old compound, use a razor blade and acetone spray. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
  5. Surface preparation - Where incidental water immersion may occur, priming is required. Apply the primer with a brush and allow it to dry for 30 minutes; only a small layer is typically required. The primer and sealant must be applied on the same day.
  6. Application - It is important to apply the sealant with steady pressure, forcing it into the joint. Protect open products and tools from direct sunlight for the best results. Use together with a closed cell backer rod for joints deeper than 13mm to avoid 3-sided adhesion. The depth of the sealant should be half the width of the joint. The maximum depth is 13mm, and the minimum is 6mm.
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Before conducting any roof repair, make sure you have all the needed tools with you before starting.

Finding the right roof sealant

Selecting the right sealant for the job is critical. Over time, structures shift and flex, which means it’s important to have a roof seal that can do the same. LePage QUAD Window, Door & Siding Sealant is specially formulated to flex and move with your roof, so it will not tear or rip. On top of that, it is made to stand strong in harsh weather conditions and provide long-term protection. This makes it the ideal sealant for heavy-duty outdoor sealing.

For general seals around the home, LePage PL Heavy Duty Sealant can take on the majority of jobs. It is a great multipurpose sealant that works on both interiors and exteriors and wood.

Wondering if a multipurpose silicone-based sealer might do the trick as well? The answer is no. Silicone caulks are a good choice for indoor projects that require sealing.

Related Products

  • lepage pl premium 825ml cartridge
    LePage PL Premium

    LePage PL Premium Construction Adhesive is a one component, polyurethane based, moisture-curing adhesive perfect for a wide variety of projects.

  • LePage Quad Infographic How to Use
    LePage Quad Clear

    Arm yourself against the elements with LePage QUAD Window, Door & Siding Sealant.

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